Nkoranza The Proposed Bono East Capital

The indigenous sons and daughters of Bonos and the Fantes first settled at Amoowi near Pinihini and later moved to Bono Manso which is in Nkoranza Traditional Area, history has this to tell. All the historic towns in the history of the Bonos, the Fantes and other Akans are in the Nkoranza Traditional Area which is Amoowi and Bono Manso.

Nkoranza Traditional Area is fully committed in securing and hosting the capital on account of the following:

• The largest paramountcy in the proposed Region: Nkoranza Traditional Area happens to be the largest paramountcy comprising, four (4) administrative assemblies including Nkoranza South (Nkoranza), Nkoranza North (Busunya), Kintampo South (Jema) and Kintampo North (Kintampo).

• The largest land size: Nkoranza paramountacy has the largest land size in the proposed Bono East Region with a total land size of 10,140 square kilometer which is almost half of the entire Bono East Region land size.

• The paramountcy with the largest population: The total population of Nkoranza Traditional Area is 243,404 with a population density on average of 41.7%. This portrays the avenue in terms of space for future development in infrastructure as the regional capital.

• In terms of tourism Nkoranza Traditional Area has the following Renowned tourist centres which includes; Kintampo Waterfalls, Dandwa Waterfalls and Fiama/Boabeng Monkey Sanctuary. There are many other undeveloped tourist sites if exploited could raise revenue for the Bono East Region if the capital is sited at Nkoranza. These sites include: Bono Manso Waterfalls, Bodom Tortoise Stone, Yefri Waterfalls, Amoowi Cave, Salamkrom-Kyekyewere Cave, Senya Goitre Healing River, Dromankese Natural Ladder, etc.

• In terms of Mineral and Natural Resources: The Nkoranza Paramountcy has a number of natural resources which serves as a good potential for development. Some are being exploited whist others remain unexploited. These natural resources include vast land, water bodies, clay, timber, crude oil and gold deposits at Donkro Nkwanta and Ayimah. There are available land for agricultural production and other investments.

• The paramountcy is highly endowed with numerous infrastructural avenue which are vital for Regional capital in the Nkoranza Traditional Area in the likes of: Nkoranza Technical Institute, which is the only Government Traditional Technical Institution in Brong Ahafo Region, the Anglican University College, the only Special School in Brong Ahafo Region thus Shalom Special including Senior High Schools and Basic Schools.

In conclusion, I wish to express my profound gratitude to His Excellency, President Nana Addo-Dankwa Akuffo – Addo for the opportunity to have the Brong Ahafo Region partitioned into three regions in order to enhance infrastructural development, decrease distance travelled in accessing the regional capital, increase socio-economic opportunities as well as promote effective governance in the proposed Bono East Region.

I humbly appeal to His Excellency, to factor the reasons behind the petition submitted by the chiefs of the proposed Bono East Region to consider, select and name Nkoranza as a capital for the Bono East Region. BY VINCENT KWASI ADDO.